CB Eli Apple
After losing Pro Bowl safety Sean Smith this offseason, the Chiefs are suddenly without a starter at a premium position on defense. Insert former Ohio State standout DB Eli Apple and you have a talented corner who could help the Chiefs forget Smith much quicker.
Even though he is still very young at 20 years of age, he excels in press coverage, which is something that KC defensive coordinator Bob Sutton loves to use with his secondary. If the Chiefs grab him, Apple would combine with last year’s defensive ROY Marcus Peters to form one of the top young cornerback duos in the league today.
DT Vernon Butler
Butler is easily one of the lesser known first round defensive prospects in this year’s draft class, but he is quickly rising up teams’ boards as we speak. The 6’4, 316 lb Butler is considered to be very good against the run, consistently plays with a high motor and currently projects to be a 3-4 starting DE at the next level.
This fits well for the Chiefs as not only do they run that style of defense, but they are looking to replace former defensive lineman Mike DeVito, who retired earlier this offseason. He could also end up being one of the biggest steals in the first round of this year’s draft when it’s all said and done.
What do you think of these five options, addicts? Who do you see the Chiefs going with in the 1st round this year?